In the last months of the prior administration many changes occurred in our energy policies that could have a profound effect on the health of our oceans. First, the longstanding moratorium on offshore drilling lapsed. And secondly, in somewhat of…
Author: mstocker
Reflections on “saving” whales
An indecent cited in the UK Independent highlights one of the tragic ironies of well-meaning citizens attempting to push stranded whales back out to sea. My speculative belief is that stranded marine mammals actually know what they are doing, and…
Earth Hour 28 March 2009
While this is not directly related to ocean noise pollution, climate change is the large rubric under which all other planetary issues dwell. There are still those who fear that taking the necessary deep actions on climate solutions will somehow…
March 2009 DC visit recap
I have just returned from my Washington DC visit. The trip was both productive and enjoyable. The ‘anti-environmental’ air of our last administration is palpably clearing, and while there remains some die-hard obstructionists in Congress, there is a profound sea…
March 2009 DC visit and Strandings
I am currently on route to Washington DC to attend the “Blue Vision Ocean Summit” coordinated by David Helvarg’s Blue Frontiers. This should be a good dose of “Old Home Week” with up to 500 Ocean Activists and colleagues all…
Tasmanian multi-species mass stranding – March 2, 2009
Another tragedy linked to ocean noise pollution: a multi-species stranding linked to seismic surveys. This event involved some 189 pilot whales and 10 dolphins in Naracoopa, Tasmania. For a local article see here: http://www.watoday.com.au/national/stranded-whales-herded-out-to-sea-20090303-8mom.html Tasmania has a long history of…
Phillipines Mass Stranding
Yesterday there was mass-stranding event in the Philippines, near the US Navy’s Subic Bay base. As of yet there has not been any definitive correlations with military operations, but the last time melon-headed whales were involved in a similar incident…
Bioneers Radio
This month Bioneers radio will be distributing a radio production taken from the Bioneers 2007 session with Anne Rowley (Oceana), David Helvarg (Blue Frontier) and myself (as host). You can find you station here: http://www.bioneers.org/bioneers-radio Or listen to the show…
Google Ocean launches
Google Earth has added a very significant embellishment to their wonderful mapping application; “Google Ocean.” (see: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/science/earth/03oceans.html?_r=2&hp ) This new tool will allow anybody to explore the ocean at will, and free of charge. I believe that the introduction of…
Marine Species Awareness Training
Part of the US Navy mitigation agreements to protect marine mammals and turtles involves having their crews informed through their Marine Species Awareness Training program. This involves watching a two part video. The first part is required of all Commanding…